Carter County

  • Class: 3
  • County Seat: Van Buren
  • Pop: 5,202 (2020)
  • Value: $75,246,159 (2021)
  • Sq Mi: 509
  • Presiding Commissioner: Ron Keeney, Carter County Commission Chambers, 1122 Main Street, Van Buren, Missouri 63965
  • Major Employers: Royal Oak Enterprises, The Landing, Riverways Manor, Public School Systems
  • Education: 2 public systems, 1 private school 
  • Healthcare: Big Springs Medical Clinic, Van Buren Medical Clinic
  • Transportation: I-55 - 88 miles | US 60 | MO 103, 21, 34 | Co D, M, P, Y, J, C, F, Z, T, E, H, V, N, DD, K, B, O
  • Airports: Public - Van Buren, public - Poplar Bluff - 45 mi., Commercial - Cape Girardeau - 125 miles
  • Recreation: Watercress Park, Current River, Big Springs State Park, Ozark National Scenic Riverways, Pinewoods Lake

Carter County, with a population of 5,202, is located in the central western portion of the Ozark Foothills Region. Some major industries and employers in the county include Royal Oak Enterprises, The Landing, Riverways Manor, the timber industry, and the public school systems. One health care clinic offers high-quality medical assistance to county residents, while one private and two public school systems educate children living in the county. A variety of recreational activities, including Ozark National Scenic Riverways, Peck Ranch Wildlife Refuge, Watercress Park, Big Spring National Park, and the beautiful Current River are also available in Carter County.

To sign-up for Carter County Sheriff alerts via text message, click the link below!
http://my.textcaster.com/ServePopup.aspx?id=2458

To make accomodation arrangements when visiting The Current River or Big Spring, please review the following list (all numbers use area code 573):

  • Big Spring National Park Cabins - 323-4423
  • Big Spring Road Motel - 323-8128
  • Garden of Eden Resort - 323-4641
  • Hawthorne Motel - 323-4274
  • The Landing and Rosecliff Lodge - 323-8433 / www.currentriverlanding.com
  • Misty Mountain Lodge - 323-8388
  • River Cabins of Van Buren - 323-9204
  • Smalley's Motel - 323-4263
  • Starlight Motel - 323-4673

When planning canoe and/or tube outings, consult the following list:

  • Deer Run Campground Canoe and Tube Rental - 323-4447
  • Big Spring Canoe and Tube Rental - 323-4550
  • Hawthorne Landing Canoe & Tube Rental - 323-4562
  • The Landing & Rosecliff Lodge-Canoe & Tube Rental - 323-8433

For dining purposes, please see the following list:

  • Big Springs Dining Lodge - 323-4332
  • Big Springs Restaurant - 323-4339
  • Blue Heron Restaurant - 323-8433
  • Jolly Cone Drive-In - 323-4318
  • The Log Cabin Restaurant (Ellsinore) - 322-9300

Also, for entertainment, make sure to visit the 21-Drive-In Theatre (945-2121) and experience a movie under the stars, or enjoy the tunes of local bands while dining along The Current River at The Landing (323-8433).